A disturbing video released by kidnappers has shown retired Nigerian Army officer Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife pleading with the government and security agencies to secure their release after spending days in captivity.
The retired general and his wife were abducted along the Karaduwa–Matazu Road in Katsina State while travelling to the state. Their driver reportedly escaped despite sustaining gunshot injuries, while the victims were taken away by armed kidnappers.
In the video circulated by the kidnappers, the visibly distressed couple appealed to the Federal Government, military authorities and security agencies to intervene urgently and save their lives. The footage has generated widespread concern across the country, particularly within military and security circles.
Reports indicate that the abductors are demanding the release of detained terrorist commanders as part of the conditions for freeing the retired military officer and his wife. The development has heightened fears over the growing influence of armed groups operating across parts of northern Nigeria.
The abduction has attracted condemnation from security advocacy groups and civil society organizations. A group known as Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies described the incident as a direct attack on a man who dedicated decades of service to Nigeria and called for immediate action to secure the couple’s release.
Security analysts say the kidnapping underscores the worsening insecurity affecting even high-profile Nigerians, including retired military officers. They warn that the incident raises serious questions about the safety of citizens travelling on highways across the country.
